Whiting: Readers share thoughts on columns

As we close one year and open the next, it's time to look back and examine what's truly important in our lives.

I'm pretty lucky because, family aside, that would be you, the readers.

Ours is a partnership. Without you, there is no column. Without me, you have ... more time? Like I said, I'm pretty lucky.

Something I rarely write about is the best part of my day. Every morning, I read and reply to your comments and emails. Over the course of a year, I receive thousands and each one – including the, um, doozies – means a great deal.

I appreciate that you take time out of your busy day to read. And I'm grateful you care enough to write.

With something akin to a readers' year-in-review, here is a tiny fraction of your emails.

I'll mention that I consider your emails confidential unless you give me permission to share. These are edited for space.

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Jan. 8, road rage

Your article on unlearning bad habits may have saved my life because I resolved to slow down. This morning, a speeding red car flew past in the fast lane, yet the fast lane was stopped and he slammed into the cars.

– Marty Farris, Laguna Niguel

March 2, Africa journey

Your stories of your trip to Africa have touched my heart. I always have our 12-year-old grandson read your column out loud and he has improved his reading skills. But what is far more important is the message he is getting.

– Daisy Smith, Mission Viejo

March 3, Africa journey to Africa

Loved reading about your visit and the work being done at Treasures of Africa Children's Home in Tanzania for the orphans. My husband was born and raised in Congo and his Dad was a missionary.

– Lois Vinton, Orange

May 2, opioid epidemic series

Although we receive the Register daily it is quite unusual for me to read this publication. However, over coffee I noticed your story. We lost our son six years ago. I would like to know if I can be of service in any way.

– Joel Sperber, Laguna Woods

May 6, Falls Canyon ropes

I went up with a small group and removed the rope over the waterfall. A fall from this rope could have easily been fatal. Thanks for the heads up.

– Brian Clark, rope technician

May 22, Kelly Thomas

Geez David, you are a masochist. Another rational news story on the Kelly Thomas death. I've watched many a Fullerton City Council meeting. What frightened me was the near lynch-mob frenzy of many speakers.

– Debbie Burks, Yorba Linda

June 2, escape from Auschwitz

We must never forget what happened. My mother's father was a Jew. As I took the tour in Auschwitz I could not help but wonder if my ancestors had died there.

– Joanne Ladewig, Garden Grove

June 15, Disneyland

Today's column about your trip to Disneyland with your son resonated deeply because I wish I had had a day at Disneyland with my son when he was 24.

– Bill Lock

July 2, law enforcement

You said: "Sure, there are bad cops. But the vast majority serves with honor and courage." What are your sources for this information?

July 15, opioid deaths

You conclude that the answer is to stop the pharmaceutical companies from producing (the drugs). Almost 40 years ago I was shot by a mentally ill man. The second bullet nicked my spine causing paralysis of my legs. These new drugs deliver better pain management.

Name withheld, Lake Forest

July 19, homeless

That cities are attempting to restrict homeless people from their jurisdictions only points to an uncomfortable situation. For those who find the homeless so discomforting, push yourself to look at him as your brother and let him touch your heart.

– Jan Carmichael, Orange

July 22, Scientology

Congrats. You filled a whole page and said nothing. Are you a comedian or a journalist?

July 31, behind the badge

I just wanted to commend you for a well written and timely article on law enforcement. I am very disturbed in the uptick in crime in Anaheim. I hate to say it, but I'm frightened by the riots and all that has gone. We have a wonderful police force.

– Pam Renck, Anaheim

Aug. 17, Anaheim police

Oh give me a break, another worthless paean to cops from you. Go back to your outdoor fluff stories and stop being another public safety (flak).

Aug. 19, gang neighborhood

Mr. Limp Wrist! Here's a little secret, Einstein: Third Worlders invade your country by the millions.

Oct. 14, white supremacy series

You must certainly be too lazy to come up with real news. How about next weekend (you) do a story on black on white crime?

Oct. 15, white supremacy series

Years ago a (white criminal gang) member lived next door to me. Although I am white, I feared this man to where I would shudder.

Oct. 30, climbing Mount Whitney

Stop! My palms are sweating just reading about you climbing the East Buttress!

– Patrick Huber, Fullerton

Nov. 11, Maj. Gen. Hal Vincent

I so enjoyed your article on Maj. Gen. Hal Vincent's Marine Corp career. I am quite sure that my husband, Capt. Charles Wheeler, was in the squadron at El Toro in the 1960's under his command.

– Janet Wheeler, Tustin

Dec. 1, Sisters of St. Joseph

I had no idea about the history of these nuns. I was taught by them 50 years ago when I attended St. Pius in Buena Park.

– Conrad Neumann, Huntington Beach

Dec. 19, Newtown shootings

I think you are a good journalist and have enjoyed your work. But on this issue I think you are ignorant. Fear is often the result of such ignorance and that fear can lead to laws that violate civil rights.

– Name withheld

Dec. 20, Newtown shootings

Thank you for your insightful article. We need more voices of reason like yours.

– Jim Diecidue, Fountain Valley

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I'll add if I don't reply to an email, it's because I missed it in what is sometimes a blizzard. My apologies. In the future, please resend.